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Posted by
cashmoney
on 2012-06-14

PUBLIC:

Really, really bright team. We've been working with Peter and Salman and have found them to be incredibly helpful in the direct, practical feedback they've given us, honesty around fit and timing, and willingness to help outside the bounds of other VCs we've met.

The bottom line is I am really glad we pitched with these folks as part of our fund raise, especially given their willingness to learn about our market, add valuable feedback (go in with an open mind -- this isn't a group to smile/passively listen), and open doors for us (including introducing us to other VCs with a strong potential market-fit).

Very smart, honest and direct. They have very high integrity and play with a straight bat. That means they don't play games, string you along, use you for market intel etc.
They also don't sugar coat their feedback. That's a good thing. Too many VCs will smile and show you the door. These guys add value even if they don't invest. If you go in with that mindset, then you'll appreciate the experience. If you want to be told your sh** doesn't stink, there are plenty of others who will do that. Conversely, if they like your opportunity and do invest, then they'll work their socks off (that's not just lip service).

Posted by
Walrus
on 2010-11-10

PUBLIC:

Merus was one of the better VCs that we engaged with. Pitched to Salman Ullah (an ex-Google VP) first and then to the to the rest of the Partnership.

I found Salman to be wickedly smart, direct in his feedback and very transparent about his concerns and strengths of our business. The other two partners had great insights on our business and had taken the time to do some research prior to our meeting that we appreciated. The Merus team works really well together (you would be amazed at how many VC firms we met dont) and we actually enjoyed our discussion.

We did not move forward with Merus because our Series A was fairly large and outside of their sweet spot. Otherwise I felt they would have been the ideal partner. But we gained a lot of insight from our interactions with them and that helped us with our other pitches.

Bottom line: These guys take your pitch really seriously, and give you quick constructive feedback. Well worth including on your list.

Posted by
natd
on 2010-10-11

PUBLIC:

At the first meeting I pitched two partners at Merus and the second meeting, pitched all 3. The Merus team gave me great feedback and advice during and after both pitches. The partners are highly intelligent, insightful and direct and I found them to be consummate professionals in all my interactions with them.

In terms of pitch process, it was quick and efficient. Merus let me know within days of each meeting whether they wanted to move forward and what the next steps would be, what areas to cover, what materials to prepare, etc.

They did not fund my company (startup vs. lifestyle) and while that wasn't news I wanted to hear, they were spot-on with their prediction of my business trajectory.

We have stayed in contact and the Merus team provides me with great informal advice and help to this day. To the negative commenter out there, I want to highlight this again -- this team has been supporting me as an entrepreneur even though they did NOT invest. Of all the VC's I've met and pitched over the past few years, the partners at Merus stand above the crowd due to their honesty, efficiency and intelligence. These are the type of people you want in your corner.

We had a very good meeting with one of their partners. I can't speak for the rest, but he was one of the nicer partners whom we've pitched. Just thought I'd add my $0.02 to weigh against the other poster.

They wound up choosing not to invest, but were very prompt in getting back to us, and they were helpful in introducing us to one of their portfolio companies.

Posted by
sosumi
on 2010-07-29

PUBLIC:

I agree with the "Blunt, Straight, Decent" comment. Having pitched to a lot of other firms, I appreciate their no-nonsense attitude. And if they do decide to fund you, they're truly investing in you. They provide more than just money. They'll put a lot of skin in the game, actually spending time to help you grow the company, even mentoring key players on your team.

At other firms, I've found that senior partners can be just as direct. Chances are, however, you'll talk to an associate. Generally, they won't tell you what they really think, so you end up getting strung along. When you're talking to the Merus partners, you're talking to the guys who make the decisions.

Wherever you pitch, show passion and stick to your guns. When they question you directly, sometimes they just want to see that you have strong conviction and confidence in what you are saying b/c that's the reality of running a startup --- you're going to be tested everyday.

surprised to see the partners being called obnoxious in another post - they have a very blunt and dont-beat-around-the-bush attitude, which might need some getting used to, but certainly not obnoxious by any measure. in the six rounds of investment i've been involved in overall, i think they've been the most honest and upfront investor i've dealt with - no funny 'devil in the details' deal. the investor agreement didnt add anything surprising to the term sheet. deal was what we shook on. very straight-shooters who believe in calling it as it is. am doing business with them and wouldnt hesitate doing so again.